One of the most legendary pieces of terrain A-Basin has to offer are the Steep Gullies. Not only are these runs some of the most challenging at The Basin, but they’re also among the most technical in-bounds terrain in Colorado.
The Steep Gullies were added (along with The Beavers) for the 2017-18 season. This terrain was once backcountry, and bringing it into ski area boundaries was a way to offer it to guests much more safely by patrolling the area and doing avalanche mitigation.
But our team faced an issue: it’s not easy to safely create slides by hand in such remote chutes. Our patrol had to get creative and invented an all-new explosive delivery system in order to claim this terrain and open it safely for the public.
The one-of-a-kind system uses a series of suspended cables that have timed explosives attached to remotely trigger avalanches. Watch the below video to learn more about the history of the Gullies and the development of the Explosive Delivery System.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE TERRAIN IN THE STEEP GULLIES?
The Steep Gullies are as-advertised and feature expert-only terrain consisting of steep, narrow, and rocky chutes. Skiing or riding it requires serious skills and commitment, followed by a 20-30 minute hike back to the base area.
Only experienced skiers and snowboarders should attempt the Steep Gullies at A-Basin. If you’re new to A-Basin and interested in checking out this legendary piece of terrain, check out our Guided Tours to go in with one of our pros for the first time.
HOW DO I GET TO THE STEEP GULLIES?
There’s two ways to approach the Steep Gullies. For both, take the Pallavicini lift up. From the top of Pali, you can take the Pali Cornice all the way towards the Alley’s and you will see the gate for Gullies 1, 2, and 3.
The other option is to take the Eastwood gates towards The Beavers, then take a right and follow the ridge down to the gate for Gullies 4-8.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GULLIES?
Each of the Gullies are a little bit different but all promise an exciting and long lap. The most obvious entry way is the first Gully, which is located down the ridge from the enterance gate. Take the entrance slowly and watch for sharks.
1 and 3 have very aggressive, rocky, and steep entrances. You need to choose your line wisely and commit to it. These are known to cliff people out, so be cautious and find a friend who has gone before you.
A local favorite, Steep Gully 4 has the notable high rock walls and spires which makes it a popular choice on a powder day.
Gullies 5 to 8 have more trees and require tighter turns throughout the runs which get shorter the further towards the Cellar that you go.
HOW HARD IS THE HIKE OUT?
All the Gullies funnel out to Rendezvous Point, where your hike begins. The hike is about 20-to-30-minutes and adds a little cardio to your overall workout for the day. You’ll come out at the bottom of Pali and do it all over again or call it a day and head to 6th Alley to brag about your lap over a beer and a snack.
The Steep Gullies at A-Basin are now open for the 24-25 Season. With all of our terrain open across each terrain pod, a current base depth of 45", and 127" of snow so far this season, we’re at 110% of normal snowpack and The Gullies are skiing and riding great.
Learn more about visiting in our comprehensive Field Guide or discover tickets & passes today.
